Deeds, reward, and divine mercy: Jewish views and Pauline passages

Menahem Kister*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present article deals with a strand of ancient Jewish theological notions (in rabbinic literature, Fourth Ezra, and elsewhere) and Pauline ones. In these Jewish passages-sharing similar religious sensitivities and using similar terminology-human works stand vis-à-vis God's mercy and his benevolence (צדקה). In some passages these categories turn out to be in tension in view of human sinfulness, since no human being can comply with the rigid standards of observing God's commandments, resulting in the emphasis of divine mercy. Paul's view, according to which “works (of the law)” and “grace” are mutually exclusive, is a radical intensification of this tension. Paul's distinct ideas display the inherent dynamics of contemporary Jewish notions and reveal the inner tension within Jewish thought of the late Second Temple period, a tension that continued in Jewish writings (including rabbinic literature) after the Second Temple's destruction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)557-600
Number of pages44
JournalJournal for the Study of Judaism
Volume52
Issue number5-6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© KONINKLIJKE BRILL NV, LEIDEN, 2021

Keywords

  • 4 Ezra
  • Jewish theology
  • Justification
  • Paul
  • Rabbinic literature

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